DIY Chartreuse Power Suit
DIY Chartreuse Power Suit
I have always wanted to make a suit, but not just any suit. I wanted a power suit! I’ve never made a blazer before and have always been intimidated by the idea of making pants. Just seems so daunting to me. Well, I tackled both and made an amazing Chartreuse Power Suit.
I actually made this suit a while ago and just never got around to blogging about it. I don’t know why because this suit is amazing AND I made pants!! I’m really excited about that accomplishment. I still have more to learn, but I’m pretty proud of myself. I talked about these patterns in my update post. I’ve been wanting to make these for so long so, let’s get into this review.
Pattern Reviews
Pattern Description:
Blazer – Simplicity Pattern 8697 Misses’/Women’s Oversized Blazers
Pants – Simplicity Sewing Pattern S8749 Misses’/Women’s Mimi G Style Coat and Pants
Pattern Sizing:
Simplicity 8697 – 10 – 18 and 20W – 28W. I made size 18 view A.
Simplicity 8749 – 10 – 18 and 20W – 28W. I made size 16 view C.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I thought the instructions for both patterns were very easy to follow. There really isn’t anything too complicated about either pattern. Simplicity 8749 is Mimi G Style pattern and all her patterns come with a sew along! Kind of hard to mess up when you have a video tutorial to follow along with. You can check it out HERE.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Simplicity 8697 – I haven’t worn an oversized blazer in years! Looser fitting clothes were in style back in the 90s so this jacket is right up my alley. It reminds me of how I use to dress in high school. This pattern is also great because there really isn’t much to put it together.
Simplicity 8749 – What I love the most about this pattern is that I MADE PANTS!! lol I’ve always been afraid of making pants because I’ve always had fit issues with RTW pants so I figured that would happen with patterns also. I know alot of that is me getting in my head but I am actively working on learning fitting pant patterns. The fit on these pants is amazing. I also really enjoy the opening on the sides of the pant legs.
Fabric Used:
I purchased this Chartreuse Polyester/Lycra Cady Stretch Suiting from Fabric Mart. Unfortuantely, I purchased this fabric last October during a clear out and it is no longer available. I paid $3 a yard for this yummy fabric and I got 6 yeards. You may see this fabric again in another make. The black fabric from Joann fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Simplicity 8697 – I didn’t make any alterations to this pattern at all.
Simplicity 8749 – I did make some alterations to the pants. I cut off a few inches from the hem because I’m short. I also did some probably not conventional alterations to the crotch length. Once the pants were completed and I tried them on they were way to high up on my waist. I have a short torso which made the pants way to high waisted. I rolled the the pants down at the waist until they were comfortable on my waist. I then calculated how many inches I needed to remove and I cut the pants by that many inches and then I reattached the waist band. Like I said, I doubt this is the proper way to make this kind of alteration, but I made it work.
In Conclusion: If you’ve wanted to relive the 90s, then this is the blazer for you. It will fit just like your old boyfriend’s jacket used to fit you. Since this is suppose to be loose fitting jacket, then you shouldn’t have too many fit issues.
These slacks are a very nice addition to your closet. Depending on the kind of fabric you choose to use, you can make these for the office or you can make these in a light demin for a less dressier look. I will be attempting more of Mimi G’s patterns because I know her patterns have a great size range and she designs them with a curvier woman in mind.
Until Next Time!
Johanna
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Power WOW!
Good for you, girl. When you shortened the crotch length, I would guess you left 5/8" for a seam allowance because you said they fit very well. It would have been easier to fold the pattern up and inch or two or three, but you gott'er done. To anyone buying a pattern for the first time, check the body measurements on the envelope. If nothing matches your measurements, take the largest one that is close and alter the pattern. There are usually hints and tips on the instruction page(s). There's a name for that but, I'm a senile senior, and I can't remember.